Illinois Department of Revenue reminds taxpayers extended tax filing deadline October 15

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Revenue today reminded taxpayers who utilized an extension on their 2006 individual income tax return to file by the extended deadline, Oct. 15, 2007. By filing these returns electronically, taxpayers awaiting tax refunds can look forward to receiving that refund in about a week.

"We encourage E-Filing at the Department of Revenue because it makes the process more efficient for both the taxpayers and the Department," said IDOR Director Brian Hamer. "Taxpayers make fewer errors and omissions with electronic edits and they typically receive their refund in a week. IDOR is also able to save taxpayer money with E-Filed returns by automating several steps in the process."

The Oct. 15 deadline for taxpayers who file for an extension can often be overlooked by those who are used to the frenzy around the April deadline (which occurred on April 17 this year).  Illinois has allowed E-Filing for the extended deadline since 2003, and an increasing number of taxpayers have done so each year.  Since the extension period began on April 18 this year, 90,000 taxpayers have filed electronically, which is an increase of 5 percent over the same period last year.

The department will pay accurately filed electronic refunds in about a week, while it will take much longer to process the paper tax returns filed at the last minute.

Other benefits to electronic filing include:
• increased security by sending tax information directly to our computers,
• a confirmation number that your can use to prove you filed,
• fewer errors or omissions with electronic edits,
• and free filing at www.tax.illinois.gov.

Taxpayers who are still waiting for information to be able to file their returns, often in order to file the complex federal return that must be completed before the Illinois return,  can take advantage of the extended deadline to file. They are required to pay any tax due by the April deadline in order to avoid penalty.